Post-treatment Tired and can't afford to be
Hi there, I am a 60 year old who has had a pretty-easy, early-invasive BC journey: Small, ER+, PR+, HER-; Lumpectomy with clear margins; 2 lymph nodes taken but uninvolved; Axillar seroma drained; 15 fractions of RT; Maybe some early lymphodema in breast, Letrozole from diagnosis through RT but then told I would not benefit much from it (0.6% benefit in reduced recurrence rates) and discontinued it due to side effects. I am 4 months post-surgery and 6 weeks post-RT, and have been off Letrazole for a month or more. I am back at clerical work (work from home) full-time now, after working back up gradually, and I am stuffed! I can barely get out of bed in the morning, and if I can stay upright in my seat and keep my brain focussed, by the end of the day I am completely useless. Rad Onc says the fatigue should not be RT related at this point. Now I feel like I should be able to just "snap out of it" but that's totally beyond me and I just want to cry and sleep. (For transparency, I should maybe admit (& remember for my own benefit) that since my initial biopsy my husband and I have organised a son's engagement party, done a road trip and purchased a home 1500 km away, organised renovations and done 2 more trips to keep tabs on the works, watched 2nd son sworn in as a cop, and seen no. 1 son marry. Maybe that's part of the fatigue ...along with the panic over working full-time, decluttering/downsizing, packing and moving in 3 months.) Maybe my problem is actually a dose of insanity...? 🤪 Can anyone with a similar, "straightforward" BC journey share whether their "normal" returned and how long it took? Thanks for "listening".69ViewsSign in to react to this post5Comments
Frustrated by Perfect Survirors
Please realise I am not I am not criticizing anyones cancer journey, their diagnoses, treatment, support, or what they have done to cope with having cancer. I am needing to have a vent... I am frustrated that all of the people that I see in my local community or in the media that have had treatment for breast cancer appear to the public to be the perfect role models - chirpy, people fund raised for them during their treatment, involved in anything cancer, promoting cancer workshops, mentoring other survivors, dressed immaculately, have lovely thick healthy hair that matches their age, are able to work their own hours... they seem to have come out the other side winning. I know what I see in public is not what might be happening behind closed doors, but I am none of those things. I am not ok. I am not ok most days. I recently started a fitness group for women affected by breast cancer. The lady running it is lovely, but she had cancer only 6 months before me and she seems perfect and is mentoring and helping me!! I am the same age, same timing of cancer treatment. I have **bleep**ty white thin hair, my face is getting brown splotches, my body is 15 years older than it should be, they seem surprised when I say I have to work fulltime. I just want to know that there are other people out there 5,6,7, 10 years after their cancer treatment that are still not ok. I feel seen as stupid --> it happened 6 years ago I should be back to my old self. I honestly don't remember who she wasViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsReturn to work plan
Hello! I have a lot to unpack, please stay with me. Feeling a bit overwhelmed lately. I was diagnosed with DCIS (grade 2 ER & PR+ ER-) in Dec 2025, had a double mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction in Feb 2026 followed by sentinel lymph node dissection. I was away from work for 10 weeks and went back part time for 2 weeks before starting chemotherapy in May. I was fortunate enough to be off work for the duration of my chemo treatment, which has been a blessing, as I struggled a lot with the side effects of my AC chemo treatment. It has been 2 weeks since I finished my last cycle of chemo and I originally planned to go back on the first week of August. Things have not gone according to plan and I feel very fatigued, I can't eat properly yet, have anemia and the thought of going back to work is actually causing me anxiety. I have given work a heads up and they have been supportive but I know they will ask for a return to work plan very soon. I have a consult with my Oncologist this coming Friday to discuss all things post treatment including a return to work plan. My work is demanding, in a high pace environment and I used to perform at the highest level. These days I can't even remember where I left my water bottle plus the fact I still don't have a solid night sleep which is crucial for my wellbeing and performance. To be very honest, I feel disconnected. I have been in some sort of social isolation (my choice to keep away from bugs) due to my treatment and the only people I see or speak on a daily basis is my husband and 2 daughters who have been very supportive but their life didn't stop - they still go to work, uni, see friends. I would like to hear from others when they went back to work and in which capacity - full time or part time? working from home for a start or office days? has your Oncologist guided you on any of these decisions based on your medical/physical conditions? Any advice/experience is very much welcome, thank you xViewsSign in to react to this postComments🤔❓"Can I/should I work during breast cancer treatment?"
This is a question that comes up often. Some people may find that continuing to work during your treatment helps to bring a sense of "normality" to your life. It can also help to keep you occupied during your treatment. However, you may not feel able to work everyday, especially if you are experiencing side effects such as fatigue or nausea. Here are some tips for managing work while through your experience with breast cancer: ✨ Talk to your employer as soon as possible about your diagnosis. They may be able to work out a job share or reduced hours arrangement for you. ✨ Find out your entitlements regarding paid and unpaid leave from your manager or human resources manager. ✨If you are self-employed you may be able to find someone to step into your role for a while. ✨ If your work includes manual tasks, talk to your doctor about whether these aspects of your job need to be modified. ✨ If you have income protection or trauma insurance you may be eligible to make a claim while going through your treatment. Some superannuation funds include insurance – you can call your company to ask about this. ✨ Early access to superannuation may be another option for you. Generally, you cannot access your superannuation until you have reached the minimum retirement age. However, in some circumstances you can apply to access your superannuation early. These include severe financial hardship or compassionate grounds. Before you apply for early access to your superannuation, it is important to understand the short and long-term financial impacts of taking money out of your superannuation early. Contact a financial adviser who will be able to offer assistance and advice that is most appropriate for you. "I returned to work one day after finishing radiotherapy. Now, looking back, I wish I had taken some time off to rest and relax." - Melissa, BCNA Member 👉 Click here for more information on finances and practical support during breast cancerViewsSign in to react to this postComments
Post-treatment fatigue - feeling discouraged and frustrated
Hi there lovely people. I finished chemo in Sept '25 and radiation in Oct '25 (so about 7 months ago), and I'm on tamoxifen. I am still really struggling with fatigue and having to pace and limit myself. It's really frustrating. I'm trying to do all the right things: eating well, exercising, doing yoga, seeing friends. I'm on a gradual return to work program, currently doing 3 days a week at 6 hours a day. I started my return to work in March. I was thinking I might be ready to increase my hours in the next couple of weeks.....but then last week I was completely wiped out (as in, had to come home and go straight to bed on Friday), and then I was also wiped out by my weekend exercising and socialising (by no means an extreme level of activity). I'm feeling really sad and discouraged that I'm still struggling so much. I'm being kind to myself but I just want to get on with life and I feel like I'm being let down again by my body. How long will this last? Apparently some people's fatigue can last years! Does anyone have some words of wisdom or encouragement for me?ViewsSign in to react to this postComments
Access
I am not sure why but many of the posts I access ( I have ticked the 'most recent' box) have a mix of posts ranging from a day or two, to months, to 2 or more years. They are not in any chronological order. I found one today that has several posts from 2 years ago, then finally a three day old question which may be directed to me. Confusing. Logging on has its mysteries too. Today I received six log on 'one time' passwords, that 's happened a few times too. Is it just me?ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsThe Whole Person - the 'other' effects of breast cancer
When people hear "breast cancer", they often think of treatment plans and hospital visits. But the impact also shows up in the quieter, more personal corners of life that don’t get talked about as much. It’s the emotional exhaustion of trying to hold everything together. It’s the financial responsibilities of time off work, extra appointments, and unexpected bills. It’s the shift in identity, with pressure to keep up with your job, your family, and your own expectations. It’s the silence around intimacy, menopause, and how your body starts to change unexpectedly. If this resonates with you, you’re not the only one who feels this way—and our Online Network is here to help. Here are some more groups you may not yet have discovered, where you can connect to discuss the 'other' effects of cancer: 💬 Young Women – A place for younger women to talk about fertility, dating, parenting, identity, and everything in between. 💬 Let’s Talk About Vaginas – A real, respectful, and empowering place to talk about sexual health, intimacy, and body changes. In the meantime, please remember that our Helpline team (1800 500 258) are here for you whenever you need support and information.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsThe Whole Person - the 'other' effects of breast cancer
When people hear "breast cancer", they often think of treatment plans and hospital visits. But the impact also shows up in the quieter, more personal corners of life that don’t get talked about as much. It’s the emotional exhaustion of trying to hold everything together. It’s the financial responsibilities of time off work, extra appointments, and unexpected bills. It’s the shift in identity, with pressure to keep up with your job, your family, and your own expectations. It’s the silence around intimacy, menopause, and how your body starts to change unexpectedly. If this resonates with you, you’re not the only one who feels this way—and our Online Network is here to help. Here are some groups you may not yet have discovered, where you can connect to discuss the 'other' effects of cancer: 💬 Work and Breast Cancer – For anyone juggling treatment, recovery, and career. Share tips, vent frustrations, and find support. 💬 Young Women – A place for younger women to talk about fertility, dating, parenting, identity, and everything in between. 💬 Let’s Talk About Vaginas – A real, respectful, and empowering place to talk about sexual health, intimacy, and body changes. In the meantime, please remember that our Helpline team (1800 500 258) are here for you whenever you need support and information.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsSad and lonely
Hi everyone. I’m new here, recently diagnosed with high grade DCIS. I had a wide excision to remove the DCIS and margins. Results showed small amounts of invasive cancer in the margins, so a week ago I had another surgery to remove that invasive tissue and a few lymph nodes. I’ve been coping with everything pretty well and have a loving supportive family. I also have a huge network of friends. However, today, I’m sad. Like tears won’t stop. I haven’t had anyone visit me this week - I get it, people have lives and are busy, but I feel forgotten and as if people think it’s all over now… I don’t get results from second surgery until 2 June so the waiting is torture. I don’t understand why I am being so unreasonable about the lack of visitors!! Does anyone else feel this way? I also have a colleague going through BC treatment. She had a double mastectomy and is amazing- turns up to work straight after her surgery and seems to be coping so well. I feel like I can’t be honest about my feelings at work as my diagnosis is not that bad. Again, this makes me feel so selfish!ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsVery confused
It is interesting reading everyone's journey's and trying to understand what's ahead. I tried going prepared to appointments with questions I found online but I'm always feeling pushed out the door and there is also an accent barrier so I'm still not clear. I have a bit better understanding in that it is the same cancer type er +, pr-and hre2- as last time, when I had lumpectomy, radiation and oestrogen blockers. 2 years later it has recurred in the lymph nodes. I had 32 removed, 2 with cancer and 15 with cluster cells ( don't really comprehend that). The oncologist said that the odds for chemo stopping it coming back was low but as I haven't had chemo that is the only option to halt it. I couldn't understand the sort of chemo as I was reading all the info on types but now I'm more confused. I thought he said DC and the information sheet says TC but then the drug names as docataxel and cyclophosphamide. I'm having 4 cycles 3 weeks apart. Everyone mentions hair loss, eyebrows etc but is it useful in making leg hair go away? I'm in an admin role so don't know what to tell work as to what I can/can't do. Sorry, lots of questions. I don't personally know of anyone with cancer to quiz.ViewsSign in to react to this postComments
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